Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's job approval rating has dropped to its lowest point ever, but still
remains a healthy 59 - 25 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

Meanwhile, voters are only vaguely aware of proposed constitutional amendments to
change Florida's tax system and limit government spending. But they are positive about the ideas
under discussion, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds:

50 - 31 percent in favor of a constitutional amendment to cap state and local spending at
the rate of inflation and population growth, plus 1 percent;

Voters split on another tax/spending question, with 43 percent saying the State
Legislature only should reduce spending and cut programs to balance the state budget, while 41
percent say legislators also should consider raising taxes and closing tax loopholes.

But by a strong 61 - 28 percent margin, voters oppose using state financial reserves to
reduce the budget deficit.

Florida voters also say 64 - 27 percent the state's declining population growth rate is a
good thing. Voters also say 55 - 40 percent that Gov. Crist's proposal to increase legalized
gambling to help finance education and avoid more budget cuts is a "good idea."

"Even as Gov. Charlie Crist's approval ratings decline a bit, they remain the envy of most
governors. The reason his numbers are lower is that they were so high to begin with and voter
satisfaction with how things are going in Florida has plummeted," said Peter A. Brown, assistant
director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

Crist's 59 percent rating continues his slow, incremental decline that has come more
among independents and Democrats. His approval rating peaked at 73 percent in March and July
of 2007, while his previous low was 65 percent in September and October of 2007. By a margin
of 51 - 33 percent, including 46 - 40 percent among Democrats, Florida voters think the
Republican Crist has kept his campaign promises.

Only 37 percent of Florida voters are "very satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied" with the
way things are going in the state, while 62 percent are "somewhat dissatisfied" or "very
dissatisfied." This is the lowest satisfaction rate since Quinnipiac University began asking this
question in February, 2005.

Despite the attention in Tallahassee to proposed constitutional amendments that could
change state and local government finances, only 32 percent of voters say they know "a lot" or
"some" about a proposal to cap on state and local government spending, while 65 percent know
"a lot" or "some" about the idea of cutting property taxes in exchange for higher and broader
sales taxes.

"Nevertheless, there is support for the general ideas when they are briefly explained," said
Brown.

Another tax idea, a $1 per pack increase in the levy on cigarettes with the money set aside
for health care, receives 69 - 29 percent support.

Florida voters oppose 54 - 41 percent providing parents with tax money in the form of
school vouchers to help pay for their children to attend private or religious schools. Among
white, born again, evangelical Christians, support is a lukewarm 49 - 42 percent. By an even
larger 59 - 36 percent margin, voters oppose a constitutional amendment to make it easier for the
state to provide school vouchers. Even white, born again evangelical Christians oppose such an
amendment 48 - 43 percent.

From April 7 - 8, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,215 Florida voters with a margin of
error of +/- 2.8 percentage points.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the
nation as a public service and for research.

For more data -- http://www.quinnipiac.edu/polling.xml, or call (203) 582-5201.

1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Charlie Crist is handling his job as
Governor?

7. There is a proposed constitutional amendment to cap state and local spending
at the rate of inflation and population growth, plus 1 percent. How much have you
heard or read about this plan? A lot, some, not much or nothing at all?

9. There is also a proposal to reduce property taxes about 25 percent by doing
away with local property taxes used to fund public schools. The proposed
constitutional amendment would require the funds to be made up, most likely by
a one-cent increase in state sales tax and the elimination of some sales-tax
exemptions. How much have you heard or read about this plan - A lot, some, not
much or nothing at all?